An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path having a housing, first and second shafts positioned in the housing to move between extended and retracted positions and a spherical lock member positioned to contact one of the shafts to block it from moving between the extended and retracted position.
|
7. An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, the escapement device comprising
a housing, a first shaft positioned in the housing to move between an extended position and a retracted position, a second shaft positioned in the housing to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and a spherical lock member positioned to contact at least one of the first and second shafts to block said shaft from moving between the extended position and retracted position.
22. An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, the escapement device comprising
a housing including a channel having a length and a width, a first shaft positioned to move between an extended position and a retracted position, a second shaft positioned to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and a plurality of lock members positioned in the channel of the housing to block movement of the first and second shafts between the extended and retracted positions, the lock members having a width less than the length of the channel and greater than one half the width of the channel.
33. An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, the escapement device comprising
a housing, a first shaft positioned to move between extended and retracted positions, a second shaft positioned to move between extended and retracted positions, a first lock member positioned to block movement of the first shaft between the extended and retracted positions, the first lock member having a first axis of rotation, and a second lock member positioned to block movement of the second shaft between the extended and retracted positions, the second lock having a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation.
13. An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, the escapement device comprising
a housing, a first shaft positioned in the housing to move between an extended position and a retracted position, a second shaft positioned in the housing to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and a lock member positioned to contact at least one of the first and second shafts to block said shaft from moving between the extended and retracted positions, the lock member having an outer surface defining an interior region filed with a solid material, the outer surface of the lock member defining a circular cross section.
18. An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, the escapement device comprising
a housing including a channel, a first shaft positioned to move between an extended position and a retracted position, a second shaft positioned to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and a plurality of lock members positioned end to end along the channel, one of the lock members being positioned to contact the first shaft to block movement of the first shaft between the retracted and extended positions, another of the lock members being positioned to contact the second shaft to block movement of the second shaft between the retracted and extended positions.
27. An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, the escapement device comprising
a housing, a first shaft positioned to move between extended and retracted positions, a second shaft positioned to move between extended and retracted positions, and first and second lock members, the first lock member being positioned to contact the first shaft to block movement of the first shaft between the extended and retracted positions, the second lock member being positioned to contact the second shaft to block movement of the second shaft between the extended and retracted positions, the first lock member being positioned between the second lock member and the first shaft, the second lock member being positioned between the first lock member and the second shaft.
38. An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, the escapement device comprising
a housing, a first shaft positioned to move between first and second positions, the first shaft including a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, and a lock surface, the outer surface being radially spaced apart from the longitudinal axis by a first distance, a radially innermost portion of the lock surface being radially spaced apart from the longitudinal axis by a second distance less than the first distance, the lock surface having a depth equal to the difference between the first and second distances, a second shaft positioned to move between first and second positions, and a lock member positioned to contact the lock surface of the first shaft to block movement of the first shaft to the retracted position when the second shaft is in the retracted position, the lock member having a width and a length, the depth of the lock surface being greater than one third the length of the lock member.
1. An escapement device configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, the escapement device comprising
a housing including a channel having a width and a length, a first shaft positioned in the housing to move between an extended position and a retracted position, a second shaft positioned in the housing to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and a lockout mechanism configured to prevent the first and second shafts from simultaneously being positioned in the retracted position, the lockout mechanism including a plurality of lock members positioned end to end in the channel, each of the lock members being configured to move between first and second positions, the lock members having a width less than the length of the channel and greater than one half the width of the channel, a first of the lock members being positioned to contact the first shaft, a second of the lock members being positioned to contact the second shaft, the first lock member blocking movement of the first shaft to the retracted position when in the second position, the second lock member blocking movement of the second shaft to the retracted position when in the first position, movement of the first shaft to the retracted position causing the first and second lock members to move to the first position, movement of the second shaft to the retracted position causing the first and second lock members to move to the second position.
2. The escapement device of
3. The escapement device of
6. The escapement device of
8. The escapement device of
9. The escapement device of
10. The escapement device of
11. The escapement device of
12. The escapement device of
16. The escapement device of
17. The escapement device of
19. The escapement device of
20. The escapement device of
23. The escapement device of
26. The escapement device of
28. The escapement device of
29. The escapement device of
30. The escapement device of
31. The escapement device of
32. The escapement device of
36. The escapement device of
37. The escapement device of
39. The escapement device of
40. The escapement device of
41. The escapement device of
|
The present invention relates to escapement devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to escapement devices configured to control the spacing of components, parts, or other items traveling down a flow path, such as a conveyor.
After the manufacture or unloading of bulk components onto a conveyor, it is often necessary to provide uniform spacing between the components as they travel down the conveyor. For example, this uniform spacing may be required to facilitate attachment of the components to another part, to fill the components with a liquid, to attach a label to the components, or to perform any other process on the components that requires uniform spacing therebetween. Escapement devices are often provided on conveyors or assembly lines to time the release of these components on the conveyor to provide this uniform spacing.
According to one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, an escapement device is provided that is configured to control the flow of items along a flow path, such as a conveyor. The escapement device includes a housing, first and second shafts positioned in the housing, and a lockout mechanism. The housing includes a channel having a width and a length. The first and second shafts are configured to move between an extended and retracted position. The lockout mechanism is configured to prevent the first and second shafts from simultaneously being positioned in the retracted position and includes a plurality of lock members positioned end to end in the channel.
Each of the lock members is configured to move between first and second positions and have widths less than the length of the channel and greater than one half the width of the channel. A first of the lock members is positioned to contact the first shaft. A second of the lock members is positioned to contact the second shaft. The first lock member blocks movement of the first shaft to the retracted position when in the second position. The second lock member blocks movement of the second shaft to the retracted position when in the first position. Movement of the first shaft to the retracted position causes the first and second lock members to move to the first position. Movement of the second shaft to the retracted position causes the first and second lock members to move to the second position.
According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, an escapement device is provided that is configured to control the flow of items along a flow path. The escapement device comprises a housing, a first shaft positioned in the housing to move between an extended position and a retracted position, a second shaft positioned in the housing to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and a spherical lock member. The lock member is positioned to contact at least one of the first and second shafts to block said shaft from moving between the extended and retracted positions. The lock member has an outer surface defining an interior region filled with a solid material and defines a circular cross section of the lock member.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the escapement device includes a plurality of lock members positioned end to end along a channel of the housing. One of the lock members is positioned to contact the first shaft to block movement of the first shaft between the retracted and extended positions. Another of the lock members is positioned to contact the second shaft to block movement of the second shaft between the retracted and extended positions. The lock members have a width that is less than a length of the channel and greater than one half a width of the channel. A first of the lock members is positioned between a second of the lock members and the first shaft. The second lock member is positioned between the first lock member and the second shaft. The first lock member has a first axis of rotation and the second lock has a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. At least one of the first and second shafts has a lock surface configured to contact one of the lock members. The lock surface has a depth that is greater than one third the length of said lock member.
Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
As shown in
As shown in
Each escapement device 16 includes a housing 24 and first and second shafts 26, 28 extending from housing 24 that move relative to housing 24 to provide the three positions. Movement of the respective first and second shafts 26, 28 is coordinated to provide these positions so that parts 10 travel down the respective chute 18, 20, 22 equally spaced apart or in some other pre-determined spacing as specified by the user.
When in the acceptance position, first shaft 26 is in a retracted position and second shaft 28 is in an extended position so that a part 10 can slide down the respective chute 18, 20, 22 into contact with second shaft 28 as shown, for example, with first chute 18. When in the hold position, first shaft 26 is in an extended position so that a part 10 is trapped between first and second shafts 26, 28 as shown, for example, with second chute 20. When in the release position, second shaft 28 is moved to a retracted position so that part 10 can continue its travel down the respective chute 18, 20, 22 with uniform spacing, as shown for example, with third chute 22. After a part 10 is released, escapement device 16 moves back to the acceptance position by first moving through the hold position.
According to the present disclosure, escapement devices 16 are also configured to prevent parts 10 from traveling in mass down the respective chutes 18, 20, 22 without having the proper spacing therebetween. Thus, each escapement device 16 is configured to prevent both first and second shafts 26, 28 from being in the retracted position simultaneously so that at least one of first and second shafts 26, 28 is in the extended position at all times preventing an unspaced stream of parts 10 from flowing down one of the respective chutes 18, 20, 22. Otherwise, if both shafts 26, 28 were permitted to move to the retracted position simultaneously, parts 10 could travel down respective chutes 18, 20, 22 without having the proper spacing therebetween.
Housing 24 and other components of escapement device 16 are configured to provide the required movement of first and second shafts 26, 28. As shown in
As shown in
A pneumatic system 54 is coupled to each plug 46 to provide a pressurized fluid (not shown), such as air, in a space 65 between respective piston heads 40 and plugs 46. Introduction of the pressurized fluid in space 65 urges respective piston head 40 and respective shaft 26, 28 in a first direction 56 as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Lockout mechanism 60 includes first, second, and third spherical lock members 66, 68, 70 positioned in channel 64. Lock members 66, 68, 70 are configured to block movement of first and second shafts 26, 28 between the extended and retracted positions to prevent simultaneous positioning of shafts 26, 28 in the retracted positions.
Depending on the position of the first and second shafts 26, lock members 66, 68, 70 shift between a first position shown in
As shown in
When second shaft 28 is in the retracted position, block surface 72 of second shaft 28 will prevent first, second, and third lock members 66, 68, 70 from shifting to the first position. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
According to alternative embodiments, the lock members are sized so that more or less than one-half of the respective lock member extends from the channel to contact the respective first or second shaft. Thus, the number and size of the lock members is selected so that appropriate proportions, such as one-half, of the respective lock member extend from the channel body and the remainder of the lockout members fit within the channel body. Thus, according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more lock members are provided.
Preferably, lock surface 74 has a contour that matches the contour of lock members 66, 70. For example, lock surface 74 has a radius of curvature 75 that is substantially equal to the radius of lock members 66, 68, 70. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the lock surface is a flat, angled chamfer.
Lock surface 74 has a depth 77 defined as the radial difference between an radially innermost portion 79 of lock surface 74 and block surface 72. As shown in
As lock members 66, 68, 70 shift between the first and second positions, they roll in channel 64. Thus, lock members 66, 68, 70 have spaced-apart parallel axes of rotation 86, 88, 90 that pass through respective centers 85 of lock members 66, 68, 70 and central axis 82 of channel 64. Each axis 86, 88, 90 remains substantially parallel to the other axes 86, 88, 90 during rolling of lock members 66, 68, 70 between the first and second positions.
Preferably, lock members 66, 68, 70 are positioned end to end along central axis 82 of channel 64 and are spherical and solid. As shown in
An alternative embodiment channel body 162 and alternative embodiment lockout mechanism 160 are shown in
As shown in
Lockout mechanism 160 includes first, second, and third cylindrical lock members 166, 168, 170 positioned in channel 164. Lock members 166, 168, 170 are configured to block movement of first and second shafts 26, 28 between the extended and retracted positions to prevent simultaneous positioning of shafts 26, 28 in the retracted positions.
Depending on the position of the first and second shafts 26, lock members 166, 168, 170 shift between a first position and a second position. When first shaft 26 is in the retracted position, block surface 72 prevents lock members 166, 168, 170 from shifting to the second position. When lock members 166, 168, 170 are in the first position, third lock member 70 contacts lock surface 74 of second shaft 28. Because of this contact and because lock members 166, 168, 170 cannot shift to the second position, second shaft 28 is blocked from moving to the retracted position even if fluid is added to space 67 of second piston cylinder 38. Thus, if first shaft 26 is in the retracted position, second shaft 28 is blocked from also moving to the retracted position.
When first shaft 26 is moved to the extended position, block surface 72 no longer blocks shifting of lock members 166, 168, 170 to the second position. Thus, when both first and second shafts 26, 28 are in the extended positions, first, second, and third lock members 166, 168, 170 may shift between the first and second positions. When second shaft 28 is drawn to the retracted position while first shaft 26 is in the extended position, lock surface 74 of second shaft 28 will push on third lock member 170 to shift first, second, and third lock members 160, 168, 176 to the second position.
When second shaft 28 is in the retracted position, block surface 72 of second shaft 28 will prevent first, second, and third lock members 166, 168, 170 from shifting to the first position. When lock members 166, 168, 170 are in the second position, first lock member 166 contacts lock surface 74 of first shaft 26. Because of this contact and because first, second, and third lock members 166, 168, 170 cannot shift to the first position, first shaft 26 is blocked from moving to the retracted position even if fluid is added to space 67 of first piston cylinder 36. Thus, if second shaft 28 is in the retracted position, first shaft 26 is blocked from also moving to the retracted position.
As shown in
According to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, when lock members 166, 168, 170 are in either of the first or second positions, two of lock members 166, 168, 170 are positioned completely within channel 164 while the other lock member 166, 170 is positioned halfway out of channel 164 to engage the respective lock surface 74 of first and second shafts 26, 28. Preferably, radius of curvature of lock surface 74 matches the contour of lock members 166, 170.
According to alternative embodiments, the lock members are sized so that more or less than one-half of the respective lock member extends from the channel to contact the respective first or second shaft. Thus, the number and size of the lock members is selected so that appropriate proportion, such as one-half, of the respective lock member extends from the channel body and the remainder of the lockout members fit within the channel body. Thus, according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more lock members are provided.
As lock members 166, 168, 170 shift between the first and second positions, they roll in channel 164. Thus, lock members 166, 168, 170 have spaced-apart parallel axes of rotation 186, 188, 190 that passes through respective centers 185 of lock members 166, 168, 170 and central axis 182 of channel 164. Each axis 186, 188, 190 remains substantially parallel to the other axes 186, 188, 190 during rolling of lock members 166, 168, 170 between the first and second positions.
Preferably, lock members 166, 168, 170 are positioned end to end along central axis 182 of channel 164 and are cylindrical and solid. Each lock member 166, 168, 170 has a substantially circular cross section and an outer surface 192 defining an interior region 194 that is substantially filled with a solid material such as steel.
Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
11001453, | Dec 21 2017 | OSAKA SEALING PRINTING CO , LTD | Article transport device |
6817465, | Sep 28 2001 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | Pickup mechanism for microworkpiece |
6966424, | May 02 2001 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Bladder based package control/singulation |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
2341705, | |||
2475999, | |||
2632553, | |||
2920792, | |||
3058569, | |||
3288331, | |||
3325051, | |||
3568823, | |||
3775941, | |||
3820648, | |||
3993217, | Aug 28 1975 | Molins Limited | Cigarette hoppers |
4119243, | Jul 25 1977 | Chirana, koncern | Article dispensing device |
4377368, | Dec 10 1980 | LAMB TECHNICON CORP | Escapement mechanism |
4688697, | Mar 18 1985 | Automation Service Equipment, Inc. | Guide for metering device |
5236076, | Sep 13 1991 | CHUNG CHENG HOLDINGS, LLC | Apparatus for automatically unloading device in handler |
5339984, | Sep 29 1993 | Eastlex Machine Corporation | Fastener attaching apparatus having multiple sources of fastener hardware |
5360137, | Jul 17 1992 | Yugenkaisha Shinjo Seisakusho | Row feeder for distributing nuts |
JP1182420, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Aug 03 2000 | BECK, CHRISTOPHER DONALD | SMC PNEUMATICS, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 011011 | /0136 | |
Aug 11 2000 | SMC Corporation of America | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Nov 27 2000 | SMC PNEUMATICS, INC | SMC Corporation of America | CHANGE OF NAME SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 011474 | /0415 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Mar 17 2006 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Mar 01 2010 | M1552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Year, Large Entity. |
Feb 10 2014 | M1553: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 12th Year, Large Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Sep 17 2005 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Mar 17 2006 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 17 2006 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Sep 17 2008 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Sep 17 2009 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Mar 17 2010 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 17 2010 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Sep 17 2012 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Sep 17 2013 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Mar 17 2014 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 17 2014 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Sep 17 2016 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |